You know the drill. Crimson and Cream Machine is hosting this week.

1.  What is the biggest Big 12 game this weekend not involving OU and Texas? Why?

Texas Tech vs. Nebraska. I want to see how the Nebraska defense does against that Texas Tech offense. I think this is a good game to evaluate the gap between the North and the South. Nebraska is probably going to get first or second in the North. Texas Tech is probably going to get third or fourth in the South. If one of the best from the North can't beat a middle-tier South team, then the gap between the divisions is still big, in my opinion.

2.  Sam Bradford has been hurt, Colt McCoy is throwing picks (6 Ints/10 TDs)and Dez Bryant has been suspended by the NCAA. Does the Big 12 have a legit Heisman contender left?

I think Todd Reesing is good enough to win it, but he doesn't get a lot of National press, and won't win it. Nobody is stepping up or really getting noticed from the media, so Tebow and McCoy are going to stay in it all year by default. If McCoy can have a big week this week on the big stage, and Tebow has another ho-hum week, McCoy may actually take the lead in the Heisman race. I don't think they care that much about the picks; they're concerend with total TDs, and how the team does.

3.  Its pretty much a consensus of opinions that Dan Hawkins is already standing with one foot out the door at Colorado. Who has the better chance of getting off the hot seat this season, him or Bobby Bowden?

It's a tricky situation, but I am going to say Dan Hawkins. From my understanding the university can't afford to buy him out. With Bowden, it sounds like they are starting to take away power from him. They will probably never fire him, but try to ask him to retire. Florida State needs to be careful because Bowden is a legend (even though he's lost his edge) and you don't want to get into a PR nightmare.

4.  We've got one full weekend of conference play under our belts. Who can you say, with confidence, that is out of the North and South division races already?

North: Iowa State, Kansas State, Colorado

South: Baylor... I don't think A&M or Tech are in it either, but we have to wait another week or two to see for certain.

5.  Which race is going to be better in the North, the race to win the division or the race to stay out of the cellar?

The race to win the division. It's better football than the race to stay out of the cellar.

6.  OU/Texas - Who ya got?

OU has a better defense in my mind and Bradford is back. At the same time, they have injury problems at OL (which has already been a problem when healthy), and Broyles may be out as well. If Bradford doesn't get the protection nor have enough targets, OU won't win. As long as Texas doesn't get off to a slow start like they have been doing in game this year, they will win.

7.  Big 12 Power Rankings - Let's see 'em!

1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Oklahoma State
4. Kansas
5. Nebraska
6. Texas Tech
7. Texas A&M
8. Missouri
9. Kansas State
10. Iowa State
11. Baylor
12. Colorado